Memorial held for Waveland murder victim

BAY ST. LOUIS, MS (WLOX) - Family, church and community members gathered at Church of God in Bay St. Louis Saturday night to honor the life of David Bourgeois.

Bourgeois was found murdered Christmas Day in Waveland.

During the memorial service a picture of the 58-year-old was placed front and center while members talked about the good times they had with Bourgeois.

Though he is no longer alive, everyone who spoke on his behalf say they know he is now in a much better place.

"Even if you don't know them they are a child of god. We're all children of God," said Bennitta Hatchett, who was in attendance at the memorial.

"If you don't know them they still need recognition and honor regardless of their circumstances, and I just felt God laid it on my heart to come and pay my respects."

Bourgeois was well known throughout the homeless community in Hancock County and could frequently be seen riding his bike down Highway 90. He told WLOX News in an interview last year that he lost everything, including his home, after his mobile home burned down.

The man accused of murdering Bourgeois is Edward Winnicki. He remains behind bars at the Hancock County jail.